Medication Safety Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you believe someone has taken an unknown pill and is having trouble breathing, severe confusion, chest pain, fainting, or seizures, call 911.
Both prescription and over-the-counter medications have identifying attributes to help prevent potentially serious medication errors. The “8 05” pill is a 50 mg dose of trazodone hydrochloride, a common prescription that may be used for depression and, in some cases, off-label for anxiety or insomnia.
If you want to confirm you received the correct prescription, or you found an unidentified pill and need to know what to do next, here’s what to know about 8 05 pill identification and key safety precautions.
What Is the 8 05 Pill?
A white, round pill with the imprint “8 05” is a 50 mg trazodone hydrochloride dosage.[1] It is approximately 8.0 mm in size and has a score on the same side as the imprint. The other side is blank.
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. supplies this particular pill. However, trazodone may be manufactured by other companies and can appear in different strengths and shapes.
Trazodone is not classified as a controlled substance, but it is typically available by prescription only.
How Is the 8 05 Pill Used?
Trazodone is considered an atypical antidepressant because it does not fall neatly into major antidepressant classes. It is often described as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), meaning it affects serotonin signaling in a way that can influence mood and sleep.
The exact mechanism for how trazodone improves mood is not fully understood, but it is believed to impact neurotransmitter activity involved in mood regulation. Trazodone is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder and may be prescribed off-label for insomnia and anxiety.
If you are comparing antidepressant types and timelines, you may also find this related guide helpful: How long does Zoloft stay in your system?
Safety Considerations and Precautions
Trazodone is generally safe when used as directed, but it can cause side effects. Many side effects improve as the body adjusts, but it is important to discuss any concerning reactions with your prescriber.
The common side effects of trazodone include:[2]
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
Other commonly reported side effects may include:[3]
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Nervousness
- Confusion
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in weight
Though uncommon, trazodone can cause serious side effects, including:[4]
- Abnormal heart rhythm with shortness of breath or chest pain
- Severe bleeding (unexplained bruising, black stools, pink urine, or unusual nose/gum bleeding)
- Low sodium levels (nausea, fatigue, confusion, hallucinations)
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Trazodone may also contribute to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms can include muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors, sweating, flushing, severe agitation, uncoordinated movement, hallucinations, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms, and seek emergency care if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.
If trazodone upsets your stomach, it may help to take it with food. It is also important to be consistent about taking it with or without food, because food can affect absorption.
Trazodone may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcohol, and do not drive or do anything potentially dangerous until you know how the medication affects you.
There are several potential drug interactions with trazodone, including opioid pain medications, sedatives, aspirin, anticoagulants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you are taking opioid medication or have questions about safety, you may also want to review: How long does codeine stay in your system?
Never change your dose or stop taking trazodone without speaking to your prescriber. Stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, irritability, or sleep disruption. If you want to stop, ask your prescriber about a taper plan.
How to Handle Unidentified Pills: Unknown Medication Safety
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there is approximately one death per 1 million people caused by medication errors.[5] Medication errors are also a leading cause of avoidable harm in healthcare settings.
Even outside of hospitals, mix-ups can happen. Risks include taking the wrong medication, taking the wrong dose, confusing medications with similar appearances, combining medications that should not be combined, or taking a dose at the wrong time.
If you find a pill and you are not sure what it is (or you want to double-check a prescription), you can use a pill identifier, such as Drugs.com, to verify. Pills are commonly identified using:
- Color (solid or two-tone)
- Form (tablet vs. capsule)
- Shape (round, oval, oblong, etc.)
- Score lines (designed for splitting in some cases)
- Imprint (letters/numbers tied to drug and manufacturer)
The 8 05 trazodone pill is typically white, round, and scored on the imprint side. Trazodone may also be labeled under brand names such as Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, Oleptro, and others, and can appear in multiple strengths (for example, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg) in different shapes.
If you cannot confidently identify a pill, the safest approach is to avoid taking it and dispose of it properly.
Here are practical options for unknown pill disposal:
- Use a drug take-back option: Many communities have disposal kiosks or take-back programs to safely discard medications.
- Ask a pharmacy: Some pharmacies offer disposal kiosks or can direct you to local drop-off locations.
- Dispose in household trash (when take-back is not available): Remove pills from original packaging, mix with an undesirable substance (coffee grounds or cat litter), seal in a bag/container, and remove personal info from labels. Do not crush tablets or capsules.
- Do not share medication: Never give pills to someone else, even if you believe you know what they are.
If you are managing depression or anxiety and medication safety is a concern at home, you may find additional context here: non-addictive anxiety medication options.
When to Consider Additional Support
Trazodone is widely prescribed and can be helpful for some people when used appropriately. However, any medication can be misused, and mixing sedating medications (or combining them with alcohol) can increase risk.
If you are concerned about medication misuse, escalating use, or safety at home, consider reaching out for an assessment and care planning. You can learn more about treatment options in Houston here: Houston addiction and mental health rehab.
Depending on clinical needs, care may involve structured outpatient support such as Outpatient (OP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), or Partial Hospitalization (PHP). For a more tailored approach, you can also review our Individualized Intensive Program (IIP).
If you want help determining next steps, you can contact us for a confidential conversation.
